Program Duration: 2 Years (4 Semesters)
Awarding Institution: Banutu Business College
Program Level: Higher National Diploma (HND)
Program Purpose
The HND in Diplomacy program is designed to develop professionals equipped with the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to navigate and manage diplomatic relations, global negotiations, and international affairs. Students will gain a strong foundation in international relations, communication, cultural intelligence, and global governance — preparing them for careers in foreign service, international organizations, NGOs, and the private sector. The program integrates African perspectives on peacebuilding, cooperation, and development, emphasizing diplomacy as a tool for sustainable growth and conflict resolution.
Program Objectives
– Understand the foundations of diplomacy, international relations, and global governance.
– Demonstrate practical skills in negotiation, mediation, and conflict resolution.
– Analyze and interpret political, economic, and social developments at national and international levels.
– Communicate effectively and persuasively across cultural and political boundaries.
– Apply ethical and professional principles in representing organizations or states.
– Utilize diplomatic protocol and procedure in international events and communications.
– Promote peace, cooperation, and sustainable development through diplomatic engagement.
– Integrate African values, regional diplomacy, and global best practices into modern diplomatic practice.
– Conduct research on contemporary diplomatic and international issues.
– Prepare for service in international organizations, NGOs, and government institutions.
Key Concepts To Be Learned
– Foundations and Theories of Diplomacy
– International Relations and Global Governance
– Political Science and International Law
– Diplomatic Protocol and Etiquette
– Communication and Negotiation Strategies
– Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies
– Regional and African Diplomacy
– Global Economics and Trade Relations
– International Organizations (UN, AU, ECOWAS, etc.)
– Media, Public Diplomacy, and Soft Power
– Ethical Leadership and Cross-Cultural Intelligence
– Research Methods in Diplomacy
Program Structure (4 Semesters)
| Year | Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
| Year 1 | Semester 1 | DIP 101 | Introduction to Diplomacy and International Relations | 3 |
| Year 1 | Semester 1 | DIP 102 | Principles of Political Science | 3 |
| Year 1 | Semester 1 | DIP 103 | English and Diplomatic Communication | 3 |
| Year 1 | Semester 1 | DIP 104 | African History and Regional Integration | 3 |
| Year 1 | Semester 1 | DIP 105 | Computer Applications in International Studies | 2 |
| Year 1 | Semester 1 | DIP 106 | Ethics, Protocol, and Professional Etiquette | 3 |
| Year 1 | Semester 2 | DIP 201 | International Law and Organizations | 3 |
| Year 1 | Semester 2 | DIP 202 | Comparative Foreign Policy | 3 |
| Year 1 | Semester 2 | DIP 203 | Negotiation and Mediation in International Contexts | 3 |
| Year 1 | Semester 2 | DIP 204 | Global Political Economy | 3 |
| Year 1 | Semester 2 | DIP 205 | Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies | 3 |
| Year 1 | Semester 2 | DIP 206 | Research Methods in Diplomacy | 3 |
| Year 2 | Semester 3 | DIP 301 | Public Diplomacy and International Communication | 3 |
| Year 2 | Semester 3 | DIP 302 | African and Regional Diplomacy (AU, ECOWAS, etc.) | 3 |
| Year 2 | Semester 3 | DIP 303 | Diplomatic Writing and Documentation | 3 |
| Year 2 | Semester 3 | DIP 304 | International Trade and Development | 3 |
| Year 2 | Semester 3 | DIP 305 | Internship / Diplomatic Field Placement | 4 |
| Year 2 | Semester 4 | DIP 401 | Contemporary Global Issues and Policy Analysis | 3 |
| Year 2 | Semester 4 | DIP 402 | Leadership and Strategic Decision-Making in Diplomacy | 3 |
| Year 2 | Semester 4 | DIP 403 | Media, Public Opinion, and Soft Power | 3 |
| Year 2 | Semester 4 | DIP 404 | African Foreign Policy and Global Partnerships | 3 |
| Year 2 | Semester 4 | DIP 405 | Capstone Project / Research Thesis | 4 |
Career Opportunities
Graduates will be prepared for careers as:
– Foreign Service Officers
– Diplomats / Ambassadors
– International Relations Officers
– Policy Analysts
– NGO Program Managers
– International Trade Consultants
– Media and Communication Advisors
– Peace and Conflict Resolution Specialists
Progression Pathway
Graduates may advance to a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations, Political Science, or Global Studies, or equivalent programs offered by partner universities.